Government

Grand Jury Report Praises Several County Efforts

A typical County Grand Jury report details ways an agency needs to improve. But the panel’s latest report puts a spotlight on what’s being done right – and it finds plenty of examples at the County of San Diego.

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A typical County Grand Jury report details ways an agency needs to improve. But the panel’s latest report puts a spotlight on what’s being done right – and it finds plenty of examples at the County of San Diego.

In the report titled Civic Successes – Public Service at Its Best, the 2011/2012 Grand Jury identifies six instances of what it calls “exceptional public agency performance.”

The report commends the efforts of multiple agencies in the area of renewable energy and conservation. It mentions the County of San Diego for including photovoltaic systems as part of their design and construction.  And it notes the County has 15 buildings either constructed or planned that meet LEED standards of the U.S. Green Building Council.  In fact, the County requires all of its new buildings to be LEED certified. New housing units at San Pasqual Academy, the nation’s only residential campus for foster youth, and the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center have been designated LEED Platinum – the highest rating.

The Grand Jury had exceptional praise for the Fallbrook Library, not just for its LEED silver rating but for a whole range of accomplishments.  Calling it “a celebration of Fallbrook’s identity,” the report commended designers for getting the community deeply involved in the process, construction coming in on time and within budget, and a whole list of inviting features at the branch.  Many of those are detailed in this earlier story about the library winning a People’s Choice “Orchid.”

The good words for libraries did not stop there.  The Grand Jury cited the entire San Diego County Library system and the County Law Library for being “a community hub for learning, literacy and education.” The County Library earned praise for its technological innovations, maintaining branch hours despite staff reductions, and making its resources available in more remote communities.

The report refers to the County Law Library as one of the best kept secrets in town.  Anyone can access its law books to research legal matters, and the library provides educational programs, legal clinics, and a self-help center. The Law Library has somewhat complex ties to the County of San Diego, explained in more detail in this story.

The Grand Jury also commended the Behavioral Health Court, an effort to help mentally ill offenders get treatment and  be successfully reintegrated into the community. The program involves multiple agencies, including the County’s Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, Public Defender’s Office, and Mental Health Services. The report describes it as a “win/win situation for everyone” and encourages expansion of the program.

The Grand Jury said it hopes the positive feedback will help foster an atmosphere of cooperation that will further improve services.

Full report